Hamada City is a scenic port city on the Sea of Japan in the Iwami region of western Shimane Prefecture. The city has developed through maritime transportation and fishing since ancient times and is now one of the major centers of the Iwami region. Hamada is bordered by Oda City to the east and Masuda City to the west. Together with other important towns in the region, it has played a central rol...»
Roadside Station Yuhi Park Hamada is located in Harai-cho, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, along National Route 9's Hamada Bypass. Its elevated location and convenient access make it a popular place to stop during a drive through the San'in region. The facility also serves as a service area for the San'in Expressway and can be easily visited during a road trip. It is a well-loved rest stop where...»
Roadside Station Yuhi Park Misumi is located along National Route 9 in Orii, Misumi Town, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. Perched on a hill overlooking the Sea of Japan, this distinctive roadside station combines spectacular coastal scenery with colorful art and a variety of facilities for travelers. Following its renovation in April 2021, the facility adopted the themes of a “POP Art Roadside S...»
Iwami Tatamigaura is one of the most remarkable scenic sites along the Sea of Japan coast in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. Also known simply as Tatamigaura, the area is famous for its vast expanse of exposed rock that resembles a giant floor covered with traditional Japanese tatami mats. Created through millions of years of geological activity, this unusual landscape has an almost otherworldly...»
Hamada Castle is a historic castle site located in Tonomachi, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. During the Edo period, it served as the political and administrative center of the Hamada Domain for approximately 250 years. Although most of the castle buildings have disappeared, stone walls, earthworks, and the original terrain remain, allowing visitors to imagine the castle as it once stood. The si...»
Hamada Children's Museum of Art is a unique cultural facility located on a hilltop in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. Opened in 1996, the museum was founded on the idea that encountering art from an early age helps nurture creativity and sensitivity. With its striking white exterior and elevated location overlooking Hamada and the Sea of Japan, the museum offers an inspiring setting for visitors...»
Asahi Onsen is a tranquil hot spring resort in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, surrounded by the beautiful natural landscapes of the Chugoku Mountains. Known for its exceptionally soft water and gentle warmth, the spring is sometimes described as feeling as gentle on the skin as facial lotion. Far from the noise and bustle of large cities, Asahi Onsen offers a peaceful setting where visitors can...»
Mimata Onsen is a peaceful hot spring resort nestled in the mountains of Kanagi Town, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. Known for generations as a “beauty hot spring”, it has attracted visitors seeking relaxation and traditional hot spring experiences for around 150 years. Since opening at the end of the Edo period, Mimata Onsen has developed as a place for bathing, recuperation, and quiet retreat...»
Shimane AQUAS Aquarium, officially known as the Shimane Prefectural Aquarium, is one of the largest aquariums in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions of Japan. Located on the Sea of Japan coast between Hamada City and Gotsu City in Shimane Prefecture, the aquarium introduces visitors to everything from the marine life of the local waters to the fascinating ecosystems of oceans around the world. Known ...»
Sekishu Washi is a traditional Japanese paper that has been produced for centuries in the Iwami region of western Shimane Prefecture. With a history stretching back approximately 1,300 years, it is one of Japan's best-known traditional papermaking traditions. According to tradition, the famous Nara-period poet Kakinomoto no Hitomaro introduced papermaking techniques to the region. Since then, the...»
Sekishu Washi Hall is an interactive cultural facility located in Misumi Town, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. It serves as an important center for preserving and introducing the techniques and culture of Sekishu Washi, a traditional Japanese paper with a history of approximately 1,300 years. The hall introduces the appeal of traditional washi, including Sekishu-hanshi, which has been recognized...»
Akaten is a traditional fish-based specialty made and sold mainly in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. It is a type of fried fish cake, created from the abundant seafood of Hamada, a port town facing the Sea of Japan. Today, Akaten has become one of Shimane’s best-known local foods and is enjoyed far beyond the region. The name “Akaten” comes from its distinctive appearance. When sliced open, the ...»
Kokufu Beach is a beautiful sandy beach on the eastern side of Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. It is known for its fine white sand, clear waters, and magnificent views of the Sea of Japan. The beach is part of the Hamada Coast Prefectural Natural Park and is located next to Iwami Tatamigaura, a coastal landscape designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan. The beach stretches for approxim...»
Rikyu Manju is a traditional Japanese confectionery and one of the best-known sweets of Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. It has long been loved by local residents and is so closely associated with the city that people often say, “If you are looking for a souvenir from Hamada, choose Rikyu Manju.” Each small bun consists of a soft, thin outer layer wrapped around a smooth filling with the rich aro...»
The Iwami Adachi Museum is a cultural museum located near the border between Hamada and Gotsu cities in Shimane Prefecture. Opened in 1977, the museum houses and displays a wide range of traditional artworks, crafts, folk objects, and historical materials from the Iwami region. Its collection offers visitors an opportunity to discover the history and artistic heritage of western Shimane through o...»
The Hamada Local History Museum is a museum in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, dedicated to preserving and introducing the region's history, culture, and traditional way of life. Opened in July 1984, the museum traces the story of Hamada from ancient times through the feudal period and into the modern era. Hamada has long been an important political, economic, and cultural center of the Iwami re...»
Tonoura is a historic port area in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. From the Edo period through the Meiji period, it flourished as a port of call for Kitamaebune merchant ships, traditional Japanese cargo vessels that traveled along the Sea of Japan. Today, Tonoura is recognized as one of the component cultural properties of the Japan Heritage site “Ports of Call and Shipowners' Settlements: A Wo...»
The Misumi Ohira Cherry Tree stands quietly in Misumi Town, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. Designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan in 1935, this magnificent tree is regarded as one of the region's most remarkable ancient cherry trees. Its estimated age is approximately 660 years. Having survived centuries of changing seasons and natural disasters, the tree continues to bloom every sp...»
Hamada City Asahi Furusato History Park is located in Asahi Town, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. Surrounded by a peaceful natural environment, the park offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the local area while experiencing what life was like during Japan's ancient Kofun period. The Kofun period, which lasted from around the 3rd to the 7th century, is known fo...»
Shimane Prefectural Iwami Seaside Park stretches across the western part of Shimane Prefecture, extending from Hamada City to Gotsu City. Centered around approximately 5.5 kilometers of coastline, this expansive seaside park combines beautiful natural scenery with a wide variety of recreational facilities. One of its greatest attractions is the approximately 3.5-kilometer-long arc of white sandy ...»
Hashii Tower is a distinctive pedestrian bridge and one of the symbolic landmarks of Shimane Prefectural Iwami Seaside Park. Located along the coast of western Shimane Prefecture, the bridge crosses National Route 9 and provides a safe connection between the park's northern and southern areas, the seaside recreation zone, and the aquarium area. Its striking design stands out even from a distance,...»
Kinta Farm Berryne is a large-scale fruit farm surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape of Kanagi Town, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. The farm offers visitors the chance to pick fresh seasonal fruit with their own hands and enjoy it on the spot, making it a popular destination for families and travelers looking for an interactive food experience. Strawberries, blueberries, and grapes are ...»
Kanagi Western Riding Park is a scenic outdoor attraction in Kanagi Town, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy spending time with horses in a beautiful natural setting. Surrounded by the mountains of the Chugoku region, the spacious grounds offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a refreshing sense of openness. Admission to the park is free, and visitors are we...»
Gotsu City is located in the Iwami region of western Shimane Prefecture, where the Sea of Japan, the Chugoku Mountains, and the Gōnokawa River come together. The Gōnokawa is the largest river in the Chugoku region, and its broad flow has shaped the landscape and supported local life for centuries. Gotsu is the smallest municipality in Shimane Prefecture by area and is also known for having the pr...»
The Tsukawa Rice Terraces spread across Asahi Town in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains, these remarkable terraced rice fields combine traditional agricultural landscapes with the beauty of the natural environment. The terraces are particularly striking for their layers of carefully constructed stone walls. Rising along the steep mountain slopes, the walls can resemble the ...»
The Sekisho Museum is an art museum in Misumi, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, dedicated to the works of Japanese-style painter Shō Ishimoto, who was born in the area. The museum opened in 2001 and is the only museum in Japan where visitors can explore the full scope of Ishimoto's artistic career....»
Taima-san Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Misumi Town, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. It has been deeply revered by local people for centuries. The shrine stands near the summit of Mount Taima, which rises 599 meters above sea level, offering spectacular views of the Sea of Japan and the Chugoku Mountains. Surrounded by peaceful forests and a sacred atmosphere, it is a remarkable d...»
Refrepark Kinta-no-Sato is a comprehensive hot spring and leisure facility located in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, the facility combines a hot spring, restaurant, and accommodation in one relaxing destination. With a focus on food, health, and relaxation, Refrepark Kinta-no-Sato provides visitors with an opportunity to refresh both body and mind. It is...»
Roadside Station Sanpico Gotsu is a popular roadside stop located along National Route 9 in Gochi, Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture. Situated almost midway between the eastern and western parts of Shimane, it is a convenient place to take a break during a road trip while discovering the local food, culture, and attractions of Gotsu. One of the most distinctive features of the facility is its bright...»
Arifuku Onsen is one of the historic hot spring destinations of the San'in region, located in Arifuku Onsen Town, Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture. The hot spring is believed to have been discovered more than 1,350 years ago, making it one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The quiet hot spring town lies in a narrow mountain valley, where traditional inns and public bathhouses line atmospheric sto...»
The Arifuku Onsen Nature Observation Trail is a scenic walking route around Arifuku Onsen in the mountainous southwestern part of Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture. Stretching for approximately 2 kilometers, the trail offers visitors an opportunity to experience both the area's natural beauty and its long history. As the route passes between the traditional hot spring town and the surrounding countr...»
Arifuku Onsen is one of the San'in region's historic hot spring destinations, with a history of more than 1,300 years. One of the best ways to experience its charm is by visiting its three public outdoor baths. Each bath has its own atmosphere and bathing temperature, allowing visitors to enjoy a different side of the hot spring culture. The baths are scattered throughout a nostalgic hot spring t...»
Ogawa Family Sesshu Garden is a historic Japanese garden in Wagi Town, Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture. Located beside the study of the historic Ogawa family residence, the garden is regarded as one of the outstanding traditional gardens in the San'in region. In 1959, it was designated as the first garden in Shimane Prefecture to receive the designation of Prefectural Place of Scenic Beauty, under...»
Kaze-no-Kuni Onsen is a hot spring facility located within Kaze-no-Kuni IWAMI RESORT & STAYS, a large resort surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture. The resort sits on a gentle hill at an elevation of approximately 230 meters and covers an expansive area of about 33 hectares. Forests, ponds, lawns, and accommodation facilities blend naturally across the spac...»
Iwami Ware is a traditional Japanese pottery produced mainly around Gotsu City and throughout the former Iwami Province in western Shimane Prefecture. Supported by a long history and highly developed craftsmanship, it is one of the region's most distinctive traditional crafts. Iwami Ware is particularly famous for its large water jars, known as handō. These sturdy vessels were once essential hous...»
Gotsu Honmachi Iraka Kaido is a historic district in Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture, where numerous buildings dating from the Edo period through the early Showa period have been preserved. The rows of traditional red-tiled roofs create an atmospheric townscape that offers visitors a glimpse into the area's rich history and culture. The name "Iraka Kaido" reflects the area's distinctive tiled roof...»
Tabato Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture, traditionally regarded as the Second Shrine of Iwami Province. Surrounded by low wooded mountains, the shrine stands in a peaceful natural setting where the quiet atmosphere of the forest creates a strong sense of spirituality. The shrine is particularly known for its connection with the legend of the Yatagarasu, the thr...»
Imai Museum of Art is a tranquil art museum surrounded by the rich natural landscape of Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture. Located beside the clear waters of the Hato River, the museum features a calm exterior reminiscent of a traditional white-plastered Japanese storehouse, blending beautifully with the surrounding greenery. Inside, visitors can take a break from the bustle of everyday life and enj...»
Omoto Kagura Heritage Museum is a cultural facility in Ichiyama, Sakurae-cho, Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture. It introduces the history and traditions of Omoto Kagura, a sacred performing art designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. The museum is located within the Ichiyama Community Exchange Center, a local facility for learning and community activities. It offers v...»
Kannon Falls is a spectacular waterfall surrounded by the lush natural landscapes of western Shimane Prefecture. Known for its impressive beauty and powerful scenery, it is one of the area's memorable places to experience the rugged nature of the Chugoku region. The waterfall flows over a rock face approximately 8 meters wide, formed from quartz porphyry and andesite. The water cascades down the ...»
Omoto Kagura is a traditional sacred performing art that has been passed down for generations in Sakurae-cho, Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture. Designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, it is a rare example of a traditional Kagura form that has preserved its strong religious character. Kagura is a form of sacred performance dedicated to Shinto deities and is often regar...»
Hashi Beach is a popular seaside destination within Iwami Seaside Park, which stretches across Gotsu and Hamada cities in Shimane Prefecture. Located within walking distance of Shimane Aquarium AQUAS, one of the largest aquariums in western Japan, the beach is an ideal place to combine sightseeing with time by the sea. The beach is known for its beautiful white sand and the clear, cobalt-blue wat...»